Crinkled and deformed chili leaves are often caused by viral infections, which can be a “terminal disease” for chili plants, as they are challenging to cure. The severity of the infection and its spread largely depend on the plant’s resistance. Plants with stronger resistance may suppress the virus to some extent, while weaker plants may succumb quickly, leading to further damage.
Treatment Recommendations:
- Prune Infected Leaves
- Start by removing the diseased leaves from the plant. Limit pruning to no more than half of the total foliage at one time.
- Focus on removing older, heavily infected leaves to minimize the spread of the virus while ensuring sufficient healthy leaves remain for photosynthesis.
- Spray a Virus-Inhibiting Solution and Apply Fertilizer
- Prepare a mixed solution: dilute Mr Ganick Virus Preventer Concentrate (50ml/20L water), Mr Ganick Ultimite Concentrate (40ml/20L water), Mr Ganick Organic Nitro+ (40ml/20L water), and Chitosan (if available). Spray the solution on the leaves and stems of the plant.
- Apply an appropriate amount of fertilizer to the plant’s roots to provide adequate nutrients and encourage new growth.
- Monitor results: if new leaves grow healthily without crinkling, it indicates the virus might be under control. Continue with the treatment.
- Continue Treatment and Monitor Progress
- Follow step (2) of spraying and fertilizing regimen once a week for three consecutive weeks.
- Assess the results after three treatments. If new leaves still show deformation and the plant’s overall health continues to deteriorate, the virus is likely uncontrollable. At this point, it is advisable to remove the infected plant and replace it with a new seedling.
